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Thursday, January 5, 2012

Some of the Great Albums That Snuck Out in 2011

Listed below are certainly not an exhaustive list of the albums that came out in 2011. They are though some of the ones that I have enjoyed the most.
What about you?
Do you own of these?
Have you heard of any of them?
I want to encourage you to check them out when you have a moment.
What albums would you add to this list?

Abandon

In the two years since
Abandon’s Forefront Records debut Searchlights, the San Antonio-based
band scored a Dove nomination, throngs of critical acclaim and tours
alongside Fireflight, Building 429, Remedy Drive, Teen Mania’s Acquire
the Fire, plus a plethora of major faith-based festivals. Amongst all
the activity, the modern rockers crafted its sophomore CD Control, which
finds the five-some taking the next natural evolutionary musical step,
while also turning inward for their greatest lyrical depth to date.

The thirteen tracks that
comprise Control are oozing with examples of the group’s instant
reliability and heart on sleeve vulnerability, despite all the
interactions with success and fame since first starting as an indie act
in 2005.

As the idea of Control
continued popping up in the songwriting sessions, it was only natural
for Abandon to follow suit with the album’s moniker. However, it’s more
than merely a quick catch phrase that summarizes the thematic thread
throughout the project, but also a chance for audiences to consider a
handful of very pertinent rhetorical questions. “‘Are you in control or
is God in control?’” the singer encourages fans to ponder. “We basically
want people to come away with an answer to ‘who’s controlling your
life?’ We’re not really looking for a quick answer, but more to
challenge your perspective and to provoke thought and motivation. It’s
brave to question where you’re at and search out your heart.”

Between members’ constantly
developing faith, the project’s adventurous sonic ambition, and perhaps
most importantly, everyone’s individual resignation of Control, Abandon
is poised for its most active and effective season thus far.

Ambassador

“There are times when
‘death,’ both actual and metaphorical, becomes more vivid and more
personally relevant to us. The glorious gospel truth provides hope by
announcing that no one has been able to prevent death or vanquish it
completely, except the Lord Jesus Christ through His cross and
resurrection.”

It’s been almost three years
since his last project and having weathered a tumultuous past year and
half, THE AMBASSADOR has emerged with a rich living testimony and is
pressing forward with the most anticipated release of his career. Once
focusing primarily on “conversion” and a call to commitment, THE
AMBASSADOR is now living as a recipient of refinement and an extender of
truth, who emphasizes in his writing that the Lord will keep and
revitalize, through grace, those trust in Him—even beyond the time of
their conversion.

His fourth solo offering,
STOP THE FUNERAL, marks his first release at his new label home, Xist
Music, who has entered into a groundbreaking joint venture with 220
Entertainment and Universal Music Christian Group. The CD is masterfully
produced and lyrically enthralling with THE AMBASSADOR’s signature
unadulterated messages of God’s resolute standards, this time with an
emphasis on grace and truth, shared through testimonials of his
struggles and failures.

“I experienced a season of
‘death’ death of dreams, relationships, ministry momentum, a good name,
etc. I became more appreciative for the good news that Jesus Christ can
stop the funeral. He can neutralize sin, and its consequences, eradicate
death of all kinds, and usher in life. A funeral is necessary once it
is clear that there is no hope and no chance of living, and sometimes
people prematurely make ‘funeral arrangements.’ When I felt my funeral
being planned, I cried out to the Lord of life and liberty and He raised
me up, restored me on multiple levels, and now is sending me forth to
proclaim the Excellencies of Him who called me out of darkness into His
marvelous light.”

That “light” brought the
beauty of restoration and a fresh infusion of joy, gratitude and
invigorating ideas that birthed STOP THE FUNERAL. With a starkly
authentic voice, a vulnerable heart and a ready pen, THE AMBASSADOR
teamed up with brilliant producer Sean Simmonds who also vocally assists
on the track “Get With Us”—to bring his vision and journey to life
musically.

The halt in the “funeral
procession,” starts with the CD’s first single the boom bap throbbing
bass-built track “A-M,” where THE AMBASSADOR proclaims that he’s alive
and still “reppin’ the “I AM.” He brings to life STOP THE FUNERAL’s
creative versatility through diverse collaborations with new and old
friends including everyone from the phenomenal Mali Music on the old
school funk groove “Trust In You,” to the remarkable vocals of BET
“Sunday’s Best” darling Jessica Reedy on the soulful and soothing
“Crumbs” to the coupling of old time friends, multiple GMA Dove winner
KJ52 and Urban Contemporary songstress Michelle Bonilla on the edgy
worship anthem “Your Love.” The experience continues with Australian pop
sensation Charmaine’s angelic musings on the infections breakout single
“Up Down” who also appears with BEC Recordings newcomer Ryan Stevenson
on the bouncy feel good “Nothing Like Us.” The addictive “Favor,”
featuring the electrifying Canton Jones, communicates the crux of the
album’s theme God’s faithfulness to rescue us from ourselves, in spite
of ourselves or anyone else. And THE AMBASSADOR would not neglect one of
his staples the cypha. Closing out the journey is “The Reunion Cypha”
full of esteemed lyricists God’s servant, J.A.Z., shai linne, C-Lite,
The Cross Movement original member, Cruz Cordero and DJ Wade-O of
wadeoradio.com.

This new project symbolizes
the reset and amplification of a music ministry that demonstrated signs
of weakness and waning. STOP THE FUNERAL is THE AMBASSADOR’s escape from
a personal and premature “fade to black.” It represents newness of
life, not death, but prosperity and triumph…that is the gospel!

Josh Garrels

From ChristianityToday - Freak-folk singer-songwriter Josh Garrels spent more
than a year crafting his seventh album, and he calls the process "the
most rigorous mental and spiritual struggle I've known as an artist."
Perhaps it was the extra fire that helped refine the project—Love & War & The Sea In-Between
(Small Voice Records) 5 stars—to a brilliant, 18-song collection that
grapples with and celebrates, well, love and war and all the gritty
tension of a spirit forging its way through the shadowy intricacies of
humanity.

Poignant masterpieces are nothing new from Garrels, and
this isn't drastically different from his two previous records. But
stylistic variety is a hallmark, and Garrels builds an even more lushly
layered melting pot of styles and backing instrumentation. "White Owl"
features jazz flourishes. Instrumental "The March" is driven by an
accordion's tango cadence, while "Sailor's Waltz" conjures Eastern
European immigrant or gypsy strings. "Rise" blends Americana staples
with a flute and percussion that sound Native American. And "The
Resistance" throbs with a trip-hop pulse.

Garrels' rich vocals unite his broad-ranging work, and
the insightful depth of his lyricism anchors it. The guy's got soul that
can flex like Ben Harper and Ray LaMontagne ("Million Miles") or mellow
like Jack Johnson ("Bread and Wine"). His falsetto on tracks such as
"White Owl" and "Ulysses" can send shivers similarly induced by Jonsi of
Sigur Rós. Plus, he can lay down a smooth rap with spoken word
eloquence ("The Resistance").

Lyrically, Love & War
is prophetic, incisive, achingly human, and longingly spiritual. Garrels
and isn't afraid to question life's murky mysteries: "Tempted and
tried, I wondered why / The good man died, the bad man thrives / And
Jesus cries because he loves 'em both" ("Farther Along"). He calls out
unjust human institutions: "I was born into a system constructed for
failure / It's a sinking ship manned by drunken sailors" ("The
Resistance"). And he liberally draws nature metaphors and celebrates
friendship, beauty, grace, and love both human and heavenly. It's hope
and redemption that ultimately win the day in these epics.

In keeping with his true indie spirit, Garrels is giving away free Love & War & The Sea In-Between,
along with any income it generates. "We were so provided for during the
making of this album, by both God and men, that it seems appropriate to
give away as freely as we received," he explains. That leaves no excuse
to miss this gorgeous collection that will surely stand up as one of
the year's best.

The Isaacs
The family band with heavenly harmonies is back with Why Cant We?,
a rousing thirteen-song set of country and bluegrass flavored
originals. Includes "Four Men Walkin' Around," "I Still Trust You,"
"That Is Why I Sing," and more.

Mat Kearney

Dove Award Winner, Mat Kearney, returns with his fourth studio album Young Love, revisiting the heavy grooves, spoken word, and singable
choruses fans came to love from sophomore-release, Nothing Left To Lose.
After becoming a licensed cab driver in hometown, Nashville, Tennessee,
Kearney found lyrical inspiration for Young Love through the
conversations he had with passengers. Young Love was recorded in
Nashville with Kearney’s long time producers Robert Marvin, and Jason
Lehning. "Down Down" will be the first single released to Christian
CHR/AC radio, while "Hey Mama" can currently be heard on mainstream rock
radio.

Kearney has sold over 600,000 units since his 2004 debut,
Bullet, and has had music appear in a myriad of film and television
shows. Songs from Bullet and Nothing Left To Lose, can be heard on shows
including: Friday Night Lights, Bones, 30 Rock, Gossip Girl, Grey’s
Anatomy, and featured in films like Soul Surfer, and Ramona &
Beezus. Over the years Kearney has shared the stage with John Mayer, The
Fray, Jason Mraz, Train, Keane, Ingrid Michaelson, and most recently,
Owl City.

Rachael Lampa
One of the most recognized voices in Christian music! Award-winning
artist Rachel Lampa's highly anticipated "next" album will satisfy
faithful fans and new listeners alike. Her collection of deep and mature
reflections on All We Need includes the hit radio single
"Remedy," "Elevate," "Savior's Face," "Run to You," "One and Only,"
"Uncharted Territory," "Feet," and the title track.

John Mark McMillan

Singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan follows his
critically-acclaimed album "The Medicine" with "Economy," a new 10-track
album of spiritually-minded rock songs. Hailed by critics and fans
alike, McMillan is the writer of the popular worship song "How He
Loves."

A preacher’s kid from North Carolina, John is part storyteller, part poet. Drawing
on the religious imagery of his upbringing, he crafts
spiritually-minded, emotionally-packed songs set against a background
of indie rock with a decidedly Folk/Americana bent.Check out an interview that I did with John Mark here.

Leigh Nash
Former Sixpence None the Richer vocalist Leigh Nash offers an
exceptional set of classic hymns, re-written with fresh new melodies and
modern arrangements. Hymns and Sacred Songs includes "Blessed Redeemer," "Be Still My Soul," "Power of The Cross," and more.

Needtobreathe

After two years of non-stop touring, NeedToBreathe has poured their full efforts into creating The Reckoning
– an album centered on the songwriting talents of Bear and Bo Rinehart.
Inspired by the dynamic they had developed on the road, the band was
determined to capture their on-stage energy and exhilarating live
performances, along with their experimental recording ideas.

“We wanted to make a record where we pretty much tried
everything. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create something
that would define us.”

The Reckoning marks the fourth album from Needtobreathe in five years, all released on Atlantic Records.

"We've put our hearts and souls into this record, along with a lot of
blood, sweat and tears. We believe it's the strongest collection of
songs we've ever created."

Sovereign Grace
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”

These words, spoken by an angel to the women at Jesus’s tomb, changed
history forever. Christ’s resurrection was more than a display of raw
supernatural power. It was the single event that assures us that his
payment for our sins has been accepted. God’s wrath is satisfied. Death
is defeated. The powers of darkness are overcome. Sin’s dominion has
been broken. And the life of the age to come has dawned.

The songs on the Risen album celebrate these realities, experienced and
enjoyed by all who place their faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

Laura Story

Authentic, and powerful in it’s purity, Blessings is a rich follow up to “Great God Who Saves,” Laura’s 2009 Dove Award winning Inspiration Album of the Year.

Blessings
testifies to Laura’s journey – personally and musically – while
lyrically maintaining roots grafted deep in her genuine affection for
worship. With a voice that is a beautiful wash of warmth, comfort and
ease, Laura effortlessly moves you through the celebration of resting in
God’s provision and faithfulness – His blessings.

Switchfoot

"Vice Verses is a record
of tension and release. It’s an attempt to describe the polarity of the
human experience. The sunlight and shadow. The highs and lows, laughter
and pain, hope and fear, doubts and belief," says lead singer/guitarist
Jon Foreman. "Vice Verses is soul music – attempting to get to the heart of the human experience: Living in the tension and turning it into song."

It’s
that very uneasiness – an unwillingness to choose the treadmill over
the triathlon – that fuels the band’s forays into new musical territory
and Jon Foreman’s unflinchingly honest lyrics. Songs like "Afterlife"
and "The War Inside" take the harder-edged approach of their previous
release, Hello Hurricane a step further, creating what Billboard has
called "powerful, anthemic rockers…like an amalgamation of U2’s ‘Achtung
Baby,’ Linkin Park." Overall, Vice Verses is a more
eclectic collection than its predecessor with quiet gems like
"Souvenirs" and the title track next to the infectious "The Original,"
reminiscent of Foo Fighters, and the biting, largely spoken-word
"Selling the News." The rousing lead single "Dark Horses" makes
abundantly clear, we were designed to transcend, to stand up against the
darkness.

Working with producer Neal Avron (Weezer, Linkin
Park) and executive producer Mike Elizondo (Eminem, 50 Cent, Pink,
Maroon 5 and Fiona Apple), the band recorded most of Vice Verses in their San Diego, CA home studio.

"The
art comes from the awkward ache. The knot in my stomach usually teaches
me more than comfort ever could. The sculptor’s chisel carves away at
the block to bring something new into being. In the same way, we hammer
away at the world we're given to bring something new into being. We
re-appropriate the past and present to create the future – breath by
breath."

The Story - VariousMusic Inspired By The Story is an unparalleled project from the
best-known artists in Christian music. The songs on THE STORY take
timeless biblical stories and provide a completely new context into how
God's story of love and redemption intersects with our story of
brokenness and failures resulting in a new story of hope and rescue. The
2 CD set feature 18 all-new songs written by multiple Dove
Award-Winners Nichole Nordeman & Bernie Herms, produced by Brown
Bannister & Bernie Herms, and a stellar line-up of artists across
all major labels who combined have sold over 75 million albums. Artists include:
Matthew West
Leigh Nash
Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
Brandon Heath
Bart Millard (MercyMe)
Michael Tait (Newsboys)
Chris Tomlin
Mandisa
Francesca Battistelli
Mac Powell (Third Day)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Natalie Grant
Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay)
Jeremy Camp
Michael W. Smith
Amy Grant
and others

Heather Williams
Heather Williams walked through the desert of abuse, homelessness,
poverty, and the loss of a child before she drank deeply from the oasis
of faith. In her debut release, she tells her story of redemption in
soaring vocals and sonic melodies. This Time Around includes "Hallelujah," "God Is Still
God," "Breathe Again," "Holes," "Beautiful Thing," and the title track.